A Message from the Maestro: The Magic of Movie Music
October 31, 2025
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been spellbound by the power of film music. I can still remember sitting in a dark movie theater — the lights fading, the smell of popcorn in the air — and that first swell of sound bursting from the speakers. The music didn’t just accompany the film; it became the story. It made your heart race, your imagination ignite, and your soul soar.
That feeling has never left me. And this November, I want to share it with you through three incredible concerts that celebrate the soundtracks of our lives — performed live by your Gulf Coast Symphony.
On November 1, we open with Epic Journeys & Adventures — an evening that takes you across continents and through time. You’ll hear John Williams’ iconic Raiders’ March from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the heroic sweep of Howard Shore’s The Fellowship of the Ring, and the swashbuckling thrill of Pirates of the Caribbean. We’ll soar with James Horner’s Apollo 13, feel the spiritual beauty of Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, and ride into the sunset with The Magnificent Seven. It’s the ultimate celebration of courage, discovery, and the music that defines adventure itself.
Then on November 8, we turn our eyes to the stars for Sci-Fi & Fantasy. This is music that invites you to dream — the cosmic opening of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the bold fanfares of Star Trek, the wonder and heart of E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We’ll travel through time with Back to the Future, fly alongside Superman, and feel the awe of Jurassic Park. And to close, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of Star Wars: Rogue One — music that captures both the danger and hope of galaxies far, far away.
Finally, on November 9, Broadway’s Sal Viviano joins us for A Night at the Oscars — a glamorous journey through Hollywood’s greatest hits. From the sophistication of the James Bond themes to the sweeping sands of Lawrence of Arabia, the heartfelt Americana of Forrest Gump and High Noon, and the timeless melodies of The Wizard of Oz and The Joker Is Wild, this concert is pure golden-age magic. It’s a night that glitters with nostalgia, romance, and the sound of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
You owe it to yourself to experience this music live — to feel the strings shimmer, the brass blaze, and the percussion rumble all around you. With tickets starting at just $45, and $15 tickets for children and students with ID, these performances are the perfect way to share the wonder of the movies with family and friends.
Come be transported. Relive the memories. Feel the excitement once again — as the music that moved you comes to life on stage.
See you in the theater!
Andrew
Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz
President & CEO / Music Director
Gulf Coast Symphony